Free agent Isaiah Jackson chose the Pacers over a potential deal, finalizing a new contract instead.
Indiana Pacers Sign Isaiah Jackson to Three-Year, $21 Million Deal
After a promising season cut short by a torn Achilles injury, the Indiana Pacers have shown their faith in Isaiah Jackson's future by signing him to a new contract. The deal, worth $21 million over three years, was agreed upon about a week and a half into free agency[1].
Jackson has been rehabbing in Indianapolis since his injury and the Pacers head coach, Rick Carlisle, has expressed optimism about his recovery and attitude during rehab[2]. Despite the severity of an Achilles tear, especially for a player relying heavily on athleticism, full recovery typically requires around 9-12 months[5]. This means Jackson is expected to miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season.
The Pacers view Jackson as a key part of their young core after losing Myles Turner. His athleticism and defensive potential have been praised by Coach Carlisle, who described Jackson as having an “otherworldly” ability to move and elevate on the court[2]. In his last fully healthy season (2023-24), Jackson averaged 7.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game[1][2].
The value of Jackson's contract is roughly market value for backup centers. Given his performance in the 2024 series win over the Knicks, where he averaged 5.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting 65.4%, it's clear that the Pacers see Jackson as a valuable asset[3].
With Myles Turner no longer with the team, the starting center position is open for competition. However, Jackson's hard work on adding bulk to his athleticism during his physical development, as well as his close work with assistant coach Jim Boylen during his recovery, could earn him the spot[4].
The Pacers have financial wiggle room now, allowing them to re-sign Isaiah Jackson at a lower-than-average price for one of the better reserve fives in the league[1]. Kevin Pritchard, the Pacers President of Basketball Operations, is excited about Jackson's return and the potential impact he will have once healthy[2].
[1] - Indiana Pacers sign Isaiah Jackson to 3-year, $21 million deal [2] - Rick Carlisle praises Isaiah Jackson's recovery and attitude during rehab [3] - Isaiah Jackson's performance in 2024 series win over the Knicks [4] - Isaiah Jackson's focus on adding bulk to his athleticism [5] - Typical recovery timeline for a torn Achilles injury
Sports enthusiasts, particularly basketball fans, are abuzz with news about the NBA's free agency. The Indiana Pacers, one of the league's teams, have signed Isaiah Jackson to a three-year, $21 million deal, which comes following a promising season cut short by a torn Achilles injury. This deal, in the context of NBA's ongoing activities, underscores Jackson's significance to the Pacers, who see him as a valuable asset and a key part of their young core, especially after losing Myles Turner.
